Electrically Powered Device Kit Including a Ceiling Mounting Assembly

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/315,062, filed May 10, 2023, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/145,065, filed Jan. 8, 2021, which has been granted as U.S. Pat. No. 11,703,061 on Jul. 18, 2023, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/497,554, filed Sep. 26, 2014, which has been granted as U.S. Pat. No. 10,890,191 on Jan. 12, 2021, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/883,696, filed Sep. 27, 2013, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to systems and methods for mounting electrically powered devices, such as ceiling fans, to ceilings and other structures.

Ceiling fans are popular home fixtures as they provide a number of benefits. For example, ceiling fans circulate air, assist with cooling, contribute to the appearance or look of a room, and/or can provide additional lighting. Despite these benefits, ceiling fans can be difficult to install.

Conventionally, a mounting bracket is first mechanically secured to the ceiling or electrical junction box. The assembled ceiling fan is then electrically connected to the electrical junction box. Wires in the electrical junction box are typically already connected to a source of alternating-current electric power (e.g., house power), although the power supply should be turned off during installation of the ceiling fan. The assembled ceiling fan has a plurality of wires extending from the fan motor (and light, if provided) to power the fan motor (and light) when connected to the power source. For example, in fan assemblies with a light, the fan assembly typically has four wires: a hot wire for the fan, a hot wire for the light, a neutral wire, and a grounding wire. In ceiling fan assemblies that utilize down-rods, the wires from the fan assembly will extend through the down-rod. The wires from the ceiling fan assembly must be connected to the wires in the electrical junction box. Wire nuts are typically used to connect corresponding wires. Because the fan assembly wires are connected to the fan assembly, the entire fan assembly (or at least the fan motor and light) often must be held or supported while the fan assembly wires are connected to the wires in the electrical junction box. In some situations, two people are required for this step—one person holds the fan assembly while the other connects the wires. After the wires are connected, a structure at a top end of the fan assembly can be positioned in a corresponding structure in the mounting bracket to support the fan assembly during use. In other situations, the structure at a top end of the fan assembly can be positioned in the corresponding structure in the mounting bracket to support the fan assembly prior to connecting the wires (and during use). The connected wires are then tucked into the electrical junction box and a canopy is mechanically secured to the mounting bracket. If not already installed, the fan blades are then connected to corresponding irons on the fan assembly. If the fan assembly included a light kit with a removable light cover, the light cover is then secured to the fan assembly.

In general, it would be advantageous to have improved systems and methods for mounting ceiling fans to ceilings and other structures. The connection of the wires in the fan assembly to the wires in the electrical junction box is perhaps the most challenging aspect of ceiling fan installation, and it would be particularly advantageous to improve this aspect of ceiling fan installation. Thus, some embodiments of the invention described herein seek to provide systems and methods for mounting ceiling fans that provide a number of advantages over existing systems and methods.

The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention” and “the present invention” used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent and the patent claims below. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings and each claim.

Various embodiments of the present invention relate to systems for mounting an electrically-powered device to a ceiling or other supporting structure, to systems for mounting a ceiling fan, to methods for mounting an electrically-powered device, and to methods for mounting a ceiling fan. In addition to ceiling fans, other examples of electrically-powered devices that can be mounted using systems and methods of the present invention include lighting fixtures. While ceiling fans are often mounted to ceilings, it should be understood that some embodiments of the present invention can be adapted for mounting to other supporting structures including, for example, an exposed beam, a drop ceiling, and others. Likewise, when mounted to a ceiling or other supporting structure, the ceiling or other supporting structure does not necessarily need to be parallel to the floor (e.g., the ceiling can be a slanted ceiling, a cathedral ceiling, a vaulted ceiling, etc.).

Certain embodiments of the invention provide a system for mounting an electrically-powered device to a ceiling or other supporting structure that comprises: a mounting bracket comprising a receiving portion and a first electrical connector; and a hangable structure comprising a mating member configured to be positioned against the receiving portion, the hangable structure further comprising a second electrical connector, wherein the second electrical connector is configured to vertically engage the first electrical connector when the mating member is positioned so as to rest in a proper alignment against the receiving portion, and wherein the mounting bracket and the hangable structure are configured so that, when the mating member is positioned against the receiving portion in the proper alignment, the effect of gravity on the hangable structure tends to keep the hangable structure engaged to the mounting bracket.

In another embodiment, a system for mounting an electrically-powered device to a ceiling or other supporting structure comprises: a mounting bracket comprising a receiving portion and a first electrical connector; and a hangable structure comprising a mating member configured to be positioned against the receiving portion, the hangable structure further comprising a second electrical connector, wherein the second electrical connector is configured to engage the first electrical connector when the hangable structure is moved downwardly into position so as to rest in a proper alignment against the receiving portion.

In some embodiments, a system for mounting a ceiling fan comprising a motor for rotating a plurality of fan blades comprises: a mounting bracket comprising a support surface having an opening; a first electrical connector coupled to the mounting bracket; a hangable structure coupled to the ceiling fan and comprising a second electrical connector and a plurality of wires extending from the second electrical connector to the motor, the hangable structure comprising a mating member and a down-rod, wherein the plurality of wires extend from the second electrical connector through the down-rod to the motor, and wherein the mating member is adapted to rest against the support surface and wherein the second electrical connector vertically engages the first electrical connector when the mating member rests against the support surface in a proper alignment.

A method for mounting a ceiling fan, wherein the ceiling fan comprises a motor for rotating a plurality of fan blades, comprises, in some implementations: providing a mounting bracket comprising a support surface having an opening; providing a first electrical connector coupled to the mounting bracket; providing a hangable structure coupled to the ceiling fan and comprising a second electrical connector and a plurality of wires extending from the second electrical connector to the motor, the hangable structure further comprising a mating member and a down-rod, wherein the plurality of wires extend from the second electrical connector through the down-rod to the motor; sliding the down-rod through the opening in the support surface; placing the mating member against the support surface; and vertically engaging the second electrical connector with the first electrical connector.

These and other embodiments are presented in greater detail in the Detailed Description which follows.

The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of future claims. The subject matter to be claimed may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for mounting an electrically-powered device to a ceiling or other supporting structure. While the systems and methods described herein are primarily useful in mounting ceiling fans to a ceiling, it should be understood that some embodiments of such systems and methods can be used to mount other electrically-powered devices such as lighting fixtures (e.g., chandeliers). Likewise, while ceiling fans are often mounted to ceilings, it should be understood that some embodiments of the present invention can be adapted for mounting to other supporting structures including, for example, an exposed beam, a drop ceiling, and others. Likewise, when mounted to a ceiling or other supporting structure, the ceiling or other supporting structure does not necessarily need to be parallel to the floor (e.g., the ceiling can be a slanted ceiling, a cathedral ceiling, a vaulted ceiling, etc.).

In some embodiments, ceiling fans that are to be mounted can include a light kit or light. While the description and figures of particular embodiments may or may not specifically reference a light kit or light being coupled to the fan assembly, it should be understood that the illustrated embodiments can easily be adapted for fan assemblies with lights, or that illustrated embodiments showing fan assemblies with a light kit or light can easily be adapted for fan assemblies without lights. Similarly, systems and methods of the present invention can readily be adapted for the mounting of flush-mount fan assemblies, fan assemblies with down-rods, or others.

Some embodiments of the present invention relate to systems for mounting an electrically-powered device to a ceiling or other supporting structure. Certain embodiments of the invention provide a system for mounting an electrically-powered device to a ceiling or other supporting structure that comprises: a mounting bracket comprising a receiving portion and a first electrical connector; and a hangable structure comprising a mating member configured to be positioned against the receiving portion, the hangable structure further comprising a second electrical connector, wherein the second electrical connector is configured to vertically engage the first electrical connector when the mating member is positioned so as to rest in a proper alignment against the receiving portion, and wherein the mounting bracket and the hangable structure are configured so that, when the mating member is positioned against the receiving portion in the proper alignment, the effect of gravity on the hangable structure tends to keep the hangable structure engaged to the mounting bracket.

In another embodiment, a system for mounting an electrically-powered device to a ceiling or other supporting structure comprises: a mounting bracket comprising a receiving portion and a first electrical connector; and a hangable structure comprising a mating member configured to be positioned against the receiving portion, the hangable structure further comprising a second electrical connector, wherein the second electrical connector is configured to engage the first electrical connector when the hangable structure is moved downwardly into position so as to rest in a proper alignment against the receiving portion.

In some embodiments, the mounting bracket and the hangable structure are configured so that, when the mating member is positioned against the receiving portion in the proper alignment, the effect of gravity on the hangable structure tends to keep the first and second electrical connectors in electrical contact. The mating member, in some embodiments can have a shape that substantially matches the shape of a surface of the receiving portion so that, after the mating member is positioned against the receiving portion in the proper alignment, the mating member tends to stay in the proper alignment as the hangable structure hangs from the mounting bracket.

The first electrical connector and second electrical connector, in various embodiments, can comprise male connectors with corresponding female connectors, electrical contact spring pins with corresponding electrical contact surfaces, and other types of electrical connectors. In some embodiments, the first electrical connector is adapted to be electrically connected to a source of alternating-current electric power, and the second electrical connector can be coupled electrically to a fan motor or other electrically-powered device. The hangable structure, in some embodiments, further comprises a down-rod, and a plurality of wires extend from the second electrical connector through the down-rod to the fan motor or other electrically-powered device. In some embodiments, the second electrical connector is further coupled electrically to a light.

The second electrical connector, in some embodiments, is electrically coupled to a plurality of wires which are wrappable around at least a portion of the mounting bracket before the second electrical connector is vertically engaged with the first electrical connector. In some embodiments, the mounting bracket comprises at least one hook to facilitate wrapping and retention of the plurality of wires around at least one portion of the mounting bracket.

The mounting bracket, in some embodiments, comprises a prong, and the hangable structure comprises a groove, such that the groove is adapted to slide over the prong, and the groove and prong facilitate alignment of the hangable structure with the mounting bracket. In other embodiments, the groove can be on the mounting bracket, and the prong can be on the hangable structure.

In some embodiments, the mating member is wider than a lower portion of the hangable structure and the receiving portion includes an opening of sufficient size to allow the lower portion to pass through the opening and into the receiving portion while the mating member passes above the opening. In some such embodiments, the receiving portion is configured so that, after the lower portion is brought into the receiving portion, the hangable structure can be lowered so that the mating member is positioned against the receiving portion in the proper alignment and interferes with gravity-influenced passage of the mating member entirely through the receiving portion.

The receiving portion, in some embodiments, comprises a support surface, and the mating member is adapted for positioning against at least a portion of the support surface. The receiving portion further comprises at least one slot formed by two ridges on a sidewall of the mounting bracket in some embodiments. For example, the mating member can comprise a protrusion configured to slide into the at least one slot. In some such embodiments, the mating member comprises a protrusion configured to slide into the at least one slot.

In some embodiments, a system for mounting a ceiling fan comprising a motor for rotating a plurality of fan blades comprises: a mounting bracket comprising a support surface having an opening; a first electrical connector coupled to the mounting bracket; a hangable structure coupled to the ceiling fan and comprising a second electrical connector and a plurality of wires extending from the second electrical connector to the motor, the hangable structure comprising a mating member and a down-rod, wherein the plurality of wires extend from the second electrical connector through the down-rod to the motor, and wherein the mating member is adapted to rest against the support surface and wherein the second electrical connector vertically engages the first electrical connector when the mating member rests against the support surface in a proper alignment.

In some embodiments, the second electrical connector vertically engages the first electrical connector when the mating member is positioned against the support surface.

The first electrical connector and second electrical connector, in various embodiments, can comprise male connectors with corresponding female connectors, electrical contact spring pins with corresponding electrical contact surfaces, and other types of electrical connectors.

The mounting bracket and the hangable structure are configured, in some embodiments, so that, when the mating member is positioned against the support surface in the proper alignment, the effect of gravity on the hangable structure tends to keep the first and second electrical connectors in electrical contact.

In some embodiments, the mating member has a shape that substantially matches the shape of the support surface so that, after the mating member is positioned against the support surface in the proper alignment, the mating member tends to stay in the proper alignment as the hangable structure hangs from the mounting bracket. The mating member, in some embodiments, is wider than the down-rod, and the opening of the support surface is sufficient in size to allow the down-rod to pass through the opening and into a space substantially surrounded by the support surface while the mating member passes above the opening. In some such embodiments, the support surface is configured so that, after the down-rod is brought into the space, the hangable structure can be lowered so that the mating member is positioned against the support surface in the proper alignment and interferes with gravity-influenced passage of the mating member entirely through the support surface.

The plurality of wires, in some embodiments, are wrappable around at least a portion of the mounting bracket before the second electrical connector is vertically engaged with the first electrical connector. In some embodiments, the mounting bracket comprises at least one hook to facilitate wrapping and retention of the plurality of wires around at least one portion of the mounting bracket.

The mounting bracket, in some embodiments, comprises a prong, and the hangable structure comprises a groove, such that the groove is adapted to slide over the prong, and the groove and prong facilitate alignment of the hangable structure with the mounting bracket. In other embodiments, the groove can be on the mounting bracket, and the prong can be on the hangable structure.

In some embodiments, the width of the opening is greater than the diameter of the down-rod. The mounting bracket, in some embodiments, comprises at least one slot formed by the support surface and two ridges on a sidewall of the mounting bracket. In some such embodiments, the hangable structure comprises a protrusion configured to slide into the at least one slot.

A method for mounting a ceiling fan, wherein the ceiling fan comprises a motor for rotating a plurality of fan blades, comprises, in some implementations: providing a mounting bracket comprising a support surface having an opening; providing a first electrical connector coupled to the mounting bracket; providing a hangable structure coupled to the ceiling fan and comprising a second electrical connector and a plurality of wires extending from the second electrical connector to the motor, the hangable structure further comprising a mating member and a down-rod, wherein the plurality of wires extend from the second electrical connector through the down-rod to the motor; sliding the down-rod through the opening in the support surface; placing the mating member against the support surface; and vertically engaging the second electrical connector with the first electrical connector. The second electrical connector, in some embodiments, is vertically engaged with the first electrical connector substantially simultaneously with placement of the mating member against the support surface. In some embodiments, such methods further comprise connecting the first electrical connector to a source of alternating-current electric power. Some methods, in some embodiments, further comprise wrapping a portion of the plurality of wires around a portion of the mounting bracket.

Certain aspects of the present invention will now be discussed in connection with the attached Figures which illustrate some embodiments of the present invention. Although the remainder of the description associated with the Figures will focus on embodiments related to the mounting of ceiling fans with down-rods, it should be understood that only slight modifications need to be made to the components in order to create systems for the mounting of flush-mount ceiling fans as well as other electrically-powered devices (e.g., hanging lights such as chandeliers).

illustrate various components of a systemfor mounting a ceiling fan to a supporting structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. While various components are illustrated and described in connection with, it should be understood that not all systems according to the present invention may utilize each of the components and features illustrated and described.is a side view of the system. The systemincludes a mounting bracketand a hangable structureconfigured such that the hangable structurecan be positioned so as to hang from the mounting bracketas described further herein. To facilitate this positioning, in some embodiments, the mounting bracketcomprises a receiving portionand the hangable structurecomprises a mating member, with the mating memberbeing configured to be positioned against the receiving portion. The mounting bracketincludes a first electrical connector, and the hangable structurecomprises a second electrical connector. The first and second electrical connectors,are oriented such that they vertically engage (making an electrical connection) when the mating memberis properly positioned on the mounting bracket(e.g., a receiving portionof the mounting bracket) as discussed further herein.

The hangable structurefurther comprises a ball or ball-like structurethat is positioned in the mating memberand is coupled to a down-rod(best seen in other Figures.). The down-rodis coupled to a yoke (not visible due to a yoke cover). The down-rodcan be coupled to the yoke using techniques known to those of skill in the art such as by passing a pin through aligned holes in the down-rodand yoke and then securing the pin with a Cotter pin. Set screws can also be used to further secure the down-rodto the yoke. The yoke is typically coupled to the ceiling fan motor or motor housingusing screws or other fasteners. The ceiling fan motor (not shown) is typically located in a motor housing. A plurality of blade ironsare each coupled at one end to a hubor similar item that is coupled to the motor. The plurality of blade ironsare also coupled to a plurality of fan blades. A switch housingis coupled to the structure beneath the motor housing. In some embodiments, a light kit may be connected to the ceiling fan assembly at the switch housing. The embodiment shown also includes a canopythat when installed, is generally adjacent to the ceiling or other supporting structure and can hide the mounting bracket, mating member, and associated electrical connection. In, the canopyis not in its installed position in order to facilitate positioning of the mating memberon the mounting bracketand connecting of the electrical connectors,. The canopyis shown in its installed position in; a ceiling is not shown in, but it should be understood that the top edge of the canopywould typically be flush with the ceiling (or other supporting structure).

The mounting aspects of various embodiments of systems and methods of the present invention are the result of interactions between a mounting bracket, a mating member (and/or other components of a hangable structure), and electrical connectors. This mounting assembly can readily be adapted for the mounting of ceiling fans other than the ones shown in the attached Figures (e.g., fans without a down-rod, fans with different numbers of fan blades, fans with light kits, etc.), to lighting fixtures, and to other electrically-powered devices that are to be mounted to a ceiling or other supporting structure. As such, persons of skill in the art can select a wide variety of fan, lighting, or other device components to use with embodiments of mounting assemblies of the present invention based on a variety of factors including, for example, ornamental appearance, function, cost, etc.

illustrate one embodiment of a mounting bracketthat can be used in various embodiments of the present invention. The top portion of the mounting bracketcomprises two upper surfacesthat are adjacent to the ceiling and/or electrical junction box when the mounting bracketis installed. Rather than having two upper surfaces as shown, alternative embodiments of mounting brackets can include a single upper surface (e.g., a ring-shaped upper surface, a square-shaped upper surface, an arc-shaped upper surface, etc.) or more than two upper surfaces. The number of upper surfaces can depend on a number of factors including, for example, the desired number of connection points for the mounting bracket, material costs, the weight of the fan, light or other electrically-powered device to be supported, and other features of the mounting bracket. In the embodiment shown, each of the upper surfacesis provided with an opening. The openingsare adapted to receive a screw or other fastener to secure the mounting bracketto a ceiling and/or an electrical junction box. For example, an electrical junction box may be provided with threaded openings to receive screws that pass through the openingsto secure the mounting bracketto the electrical junction box. In the embodiment shown in, the openingsare in the form of slots, though those of skill in the art will recognize that other shaped openings (e.g., circular) could also be used. Likewise, other techniques for coupling the mounting bracket to the ceiling, support structure, and/or electrical junction box can be used in other embodiments.

In the embodiment shown, there are two upper side surfacesthat are proximate the upper surfacesof the mounting bracket. As noted above, the number of upper surfaces in a mounting bracket may vary, and the number of upper side surfaces may likewise vary. In the embodiment shown, the upper side surfacesare curved and include a plurality of openings. The curved upper side surfacesand plurality of openingsfacilitate connection of the canopy to the mounting bracketafter the hangable structureis positioned in the mounting bracketand the electrical connectors,are engaged. In the embodiment shown, the curved upper side surfacesare designed to coincide with an inner side surface of the canopy, and the canopy includes a plurality of openingsthat align with the plurality of openingsin the upper side surfaces. Likewise, the canopycan be secured to the mounting bracketusing a plurality of fasteners(e.g., screws) that pass through the openingsin the canopyand the openingsin the upper side surfacesas seen, for example, in. Other techniques known to those of skill in the art can also be used to secure a canopy to a mounting bracket depending on the size and shape of the canopy, the number of desired connection points between the canopy and the mounting bracket, the desired fastening method, and others.

Mounting brackets used in embodiments of the present invention can comprise a receiving portion. The receiving portion of the mounting bracket can be designed to facilitate placement of, and to provide support to, the mating member of the hangable structure. The receiving portion can have a number of different configurations depending on factors such as the materials of construction, the weight of the fan, light, or other electrical device to be supported, the size and shape of the mating member, the size and shape of any down-rod or other portions of the hangable structure, the location of the electrical connectors, the ceiling or supporting structure to which the mounting bracket is to be mounted, and others.

In the embodiment shown in, the receiving portionof the mounting bracketcomprises a number of features to assist in placement and support of the mating member. Multiple sidewallsextend from the upper surfacesto a lower surfaceof the mounting bracket. While multiple sidewallsare shown in the Figures, in other embodiments, fewer or more sidewalls can extend from an upper surface to a lower surface. The number of sidewalls can depend on a number of factors including the materials used to construct the mounting bracket, the thickness of the sidewall(s), the number of upper surface(s), the position, shape, and configuration of the lower surface, any features on the lower surface, the weight of the fan, light, or other device being supported, and others. In the embodiment shown, the two inner sidewallsare provided with a plurality of ridges. On each side, a stepped-up surface, the inner sidewalland the ridgesform a slot that can receive a corresponding protrusionon a sidewall of the mating member(see, for example,). In this embodiment, placement of the protrusionsin the slots on the inner sidewallsassists with placement and retention of the mating memberin the mounting bracket.

While the receiving portionforms an opening or hollow center(e.g., to permit a down-rod or other structure to extend downward from the mounting bracket), the receiving portionmay also comprise an opening, in some embodiments, to assist with receiving the hangable structure. In other words, instead of forming a complete perimeter around the hollow center, at least a portion of the structure forming the receiving portionmay have one or more openingsto permit a portion of the hangable structure(e.g., a lower portion of the hangable structure or the down-rod) to slide into the hollow center. The one or more openingsmay also be sized to help retain the mating memberin the proper alignment once positioned on the mounting bracket. For example, as shown in, the hangable structuremay have a ball or ball-like structurepositioned in the mating memberand extending out the bottom of the mating member.

The openingof the receiving portionmay be sufficiently sized to allow a lower portion of the hangable structure (e.g., the portion of the ball-like structureextending out the bottom of the mating memberand/or the down-rod) to pass through the openingand into the receiving portionwhile the mating memberpasses above the opening. In some embodiments, the openingof the receiving portionmay be sized to be smaller than the width of the surface of the mating memberadjacent to the openingwhen the mating memberis properly aligned so as to help retain the mating memberin the receiving portion.

Likewise, the hollow centercan be dimensioned and/or shaped so as to permit a lower portion of the hangable structure (e.g., the portion of the ball-like structureextending out the bottom of the mating memberand/or the down-rod) to pass downwardly through it as a result of gravity but to prevent the mating memberfrom doing so. In other words, the mating membermay be shaped differently from, and/or sized larger than, the hollow centerso as to interfere with gravity influenced-passage of the mating memberentirely through the hollow centerof the receiving portion.

In the embodiment shown in, the lower surfaceand peripheral walls,,form the hollow centerand also includes the opening. While the lower surfaceis in the lower portion of the mounting bracketin the embodiment shown, it should be understood that a similar surface forming a hollow center and including a similar opening could be positioned at different locations within the mounting bracket (e.g., above other structure) such that the surface does not necessarily need to be in the lower portion.

In some embodiments, the receiving portion can comprise a support surface. The support surface, in some embodiments, can form the hollow centerand can include the opening. The support surface can be configured such that a mating member of a hangable structure rests against the support surface as discussed further below. In some embodiments, the support surface can comprise multiple surfaces.

In the embodiment shown in, the receiving portioncomprises a plurality of peripheral walls,,that are provided on the lower surface. The peripheral walls,,in this embodiment help form the hollow center. Two of the peripheral walls,are adjacent the opening. In this embodiment, the other peripheral wallis generally U-shaped and slightly taller than the other two peripheral walls,as shown in. One or more of the peripheral walls,,can be a support surface in various embodiments. As discussed below, side surfaces of the mating memberrest or are positioned against an inner surface of the peripheral walls,,. In addition, a portion of the mating member can also rest against an upper surface of the peripheral wall. In this manner, the peripheral walls,,assist in keeping the mating memberin proper alignment.

Rather than using a plurality of peripheral walls (with or without a lower surface), other structural arrangements can also be provided to form a hollow center, to form an opening for receiving the hangable structure, and/or to provide a support surface for a mating member. For example, in other embodiments, a receiving portion can comprise a single peripheral wall or a single peripheral rim with an opening that can serve as a support surface for a mating member.

The mounting bracket comprises a first electrical connector in various embodiments. In the embodiment shown, the first electrical connectoris coupled to the lower surfaceof the mounting bracket. Two screws are used to connect the first electrical connectorto the lower surfacein the embodiment shown in. Various other techniques known to those of skill in the art can be used to couple the electrical connector to a mounting bracket including, for example, use of an adhesive as well as fasteners other than screws. A plurality of wiresare electrically coupled to the first electrical connector. The wirescan be used to electrically couple the first electrical connectorto a source of alternating-current electric power (e.g., house power, power from a generator and other sources known to those of skill in the art). Wire nuts or other techniques known to those of skill in the art can be used to electrically couple the wiresto corresponding wires that are connected to the source of alternating-current electric power.

In being electrically coupled to a source of alternating-current electric power, the first electrical connectorcan provide electricity to devices that are connected to the second electrical connectorwhen the first and second electrical connectors,are electrically coupled. In the embodiment shown, the first electrical connectoris a female connector and can be engaged or connected with a corresponding male electrical connector. In other embodiments, the first electrical connectorcan be a male connector and can be engaged or connected with a corresponding female electrical connector.

In the embodiment shown in, four wiresare provided. By way of example, two wires (black and white) can provide electricity to the fan motor, one wire (blue) can provide electricity to a light, and one wire can be a ground (green). While four wiresare shown in the embodiment of, other wire arrangements can be provided. For example, in some embodiments, only two or three wires may be utilized.